Ackworth Today - Summer 2024

ACKWORTH TODAY

Farewell for now

Upper 6th and 5th Form leavers say their goodbyes

Easter Gathering 2025

Booking form included with early bird discount price A warm welcome from our new Head, Martyn Beer

The Northern Lights behind the Meeting House, captured by Stepan, Upper 6th Form

Head’s Address

Martyn Beer

As I end my first term as Head of Ackworth School, I am very grateful for the warm welcome and support that I have received from the outset from the Ackworth community. Everyone I have met has made me feel part of the Ackworth family, and I have been repeatedly struck by the kindness shown to me.

I have repeatedly encountered experiences that embody the Ackworth spirit – a commitment to holistic education rooted in Quaker values of inclusivity, integrity, and community. From lively classroom discussions to spirited extracurricular activities, so many moments have been filled with purpose and possibility.

On my first morning as Head, in our whole school meeting, I shared a story of an encounter I had on the slopes of Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak. Amidst the rugged Lake District landscape, I met Evie, a spirited six-year-old from Liverpool. Her eagerness and energy as she climbed the mountain bubbled over as she asked me: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I was flattered that she felt I still had some growing up to do and replied that I would like to be a really good teacher. When I turned the question back to Evie and she answered simply: ‘to be a superhero!’ I was left feeling that my answer lacked her imagination and ambition! The more I reflect on her original question the more I come back to the fact that the crucial part of the answer is not what we want to be but how we choose to be it.

In this respect I am drawn to the words of Martin Luther King Jr., whose words of support for the refuse workers of Memphis about how we should live ring out: “If a person is called to be a street sweeper, they should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. They should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did their job well.”

Mountaineer Joe Simpson’s story, recounted in his book and the subsequent film, Touching the Void, shows another insight into the ‘how’ of life and the resilience of the human spirit. Faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, his determination and resourcefulness helped him overcome adversity, survive, and emerge

both stronger and with a deeper insight into the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit. This chimes with the poignant final message left by Rob Burrow to be broadcast after his death: “My final message to you is, whatever your personal battle, be brave and face it. Every single day is precious. Don’t waste a moment. In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream. Rob Burrow, over and out.”

As members of the Ackworth community, we each have unique talents waiting to be nurtured and shared with the world. As we face challenges and opportunities, let us embrace each moment with wonder and possibility. Whether our aspirations lead us to become leaders, professionals, artisans, or changemakers, let our actions be guided by empathy, integrity, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Thank you to the whole Ackworth community for your support and encouragement as I have started here.

Together, let us continue to uphold the values that define our school and empower future generations to flourish and thrive.

SPRING TERM

Results of the Interhouse Drama Competition 2024

After a Christmas term filled with rehearsals, the Spring term brought a double dose of drama. The first half featured the Senior Production, followed closely in the second half by the Interhouse Drama Competition. Though things look to be a chaotic burst of action in the Spring term, the flame of the Interhouse Drama had actually already been burning since September, as this year as last we have continued the trend of using students’ submissions to the National Theatre’s New Views Competition as the basis for each house’s production. Student empowerment and student responsibility is thus at the heart of the Interhouse Drama Competition 2024 - as last year, all four houses selected student directors, who chose and produced student-written plays, managed and performed by students themselves. As last year, selecting a winner seems a hugely unfair processevery single one of the productions was triumphant as a genuine and authentic expression of student creativity. But as is tradition, points are allocated in a number of different categories, with the house accumulating the most points being judged the winner of the Interhouse Drama Competition.

Special Commendations were awarded, firstly, to the student writers of each house’s play. A 30-minute play, equivalent to a 5000-word piece, longer than most undergraduate essays, is an extraordinary achievement for students so young. Many congratulations to Hannah (Woolman), who wrote the play ‘Sleepless and Schizo’; Jodie (Gurney), who wrote the play ‘The Writer, The Director and The Actor’; Fran (Penn), who wrote the play ‘The Confession’; and Vinnie (Fothergill), who wrote the play ‘Lost and Found’. Particular credit to Vinnie for managing such a feat in 2nd Form!

Special Commendations have been awarded to the directors of each house production.

The directors of the four productions - Zoë, Adam, Erin and Fran - all faced huge challenges: staging a production and organising rehearsals under time pressure; finding the right visual and technical style appropriate to the play; and managing, motivating and at times corralling your cast to elicit the best possible performance out of them as you can. It was wonderful to see students take on directorial responsibilities for the first time, and just as wonderful to see students return to resume their mantle as director: their skill, maturity of vision and deftness of touch were notable in their second experience of directing compared to the first.

Furthermore, Technical Commendations have also been awarded to Harvey and Thai, the students who supported the houses with technical lighting support (sometimes at extremely late notice, and often with a lighting rig that refused to behave itself). Performance Commendations

have been awarded to the following actors for an outstanding performance contribution to their house entries: Noah, Zoë and Alex (Woolman); Alara (Gurney); Benji (Fothergill); and Thomas and Theo (Penn). The best performer in this year’s Interhouse Drama Competition was judged to be Harvey - special congratulations to him!

Last year, we only had one student from 1st Form participating in the Interhouse Drama competitions: this year, we had 7, and that was particularly wonderful to see. I would like to recognise the fantastic effort and work that these students have put into their house productions - from Fothergill, Bethan, Rose, and Ambar; from Penn, Vida, Libby and Henry; and from Gurney, Winston.

In a new category, I would also like to recognise Leighton for Best Dead Body on stage. No points have been allocated as Leighton was dead, but he did look mighty comfortable and at peace on stage.

An award for Best Production is given to the house whose ensemble, performative and technical performance was, holistically, the most impressive. The best production in the 2024 competition was shared between Penn’s “Sleepless and Schizo” and Woolman’s “The Confession”.

Judging the winner of the Interhouse Drama Competition was extremely difficult this year, with just one point separating 1st place (who gained 58 points) and 2nd (who gained 57 points). This year, the winner of the Interhouse Drama Competition is PENN. Congratulations to them!

Ali Boucher, Head of Drama

SPRING TERM

Junior Art Club

Mărțișoare – Presented by Stefan, 1st Form

Stefan taught the after school Junior Art club how to make their own Mărțișoare (Little Marches). These are decorative thread or string with a small charm attached.

These are a part of a Romanian tradition and are made all across Romania to celebrate the arrival of Spring and signifies nature coming back to life again.

Each one uses two colours, red and white. It is suggested that these represent Spring and Winter.

There is a charm attached to each one to add appeal and to represent the personality of the maker.

The idea behind the tradition is that you gift them to people who you care about and they will then wear them until they see a blossomed fruit tree. At this point, they would hang it onto the tree and make a wish!

Thank you Stefan for sharing this wonderful tradition with us and for bringing in the resources to use in the Junior Art Club, we all really enjoyed making them.

Junior Art Club

Mother’s Day

SUMMER TERM

Rob Burrow

We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Rob Burrow, CBE. Rob and Lindsey visited School last November when we were able to give him just under £4,000 for The Rob Burrow MND Centre which had been raised by our PSA. He was a true inspiration in his tireless work raising awareness of MND and fundraising for The Rob Burrow MND Centre.

Rob kindly donated a signed copy of his book ‘With You Every Step’ to School which will be a treasured memory of such an amazing man.

Our thoughts are with Lindsey, Macy, Maya and Jackson as well as all his family and friends.

Susan Allan SUMMER TERM

A bursar is someone who keeps the purse. Ackworth School has been very fortunate that Susan Allan has kept our purse over the past 8 years, even if there was not always a lot in it.

When Sue was appointed, having been at the Rugby Football League for the previous 18 years, her first challenge was to restore the finances of the school. Declining pupil numbers were a significant issue but, in partnership with Anton Maree and his outward looking policies, Sue was able to bring some order - order that would allow the school to invest in the future.

her drive to keep the campus in good condition whilst ensuring that buildings could be re-purposed to meet the needs of the school.

As mentioned elsewhere, their hopes and ambitions, mine and the Committee also, were thwarted by the pandemic at a point when the financial prospects showed considerable promise. This was not always easy to determine in committee meetings, where Sue earned the title of ‘Mrs Caveat’, because like all good bursars she always qualified any good or exciting news on results with a strong note of caution.

In addition to the needs of staff and pupils Sue was also responsible for the programme to replace the school boilers as well as bedroom and staff accommodation refurbishments, and the expansion and move of the Autism Resource. These may be hidden from many of us but are key to the wellbeing and safety of all who are entitled to be on the school campus. The work on the heating system will be complete during the summer when the Centre Block will be finished, a fitting testimony to

Mental Health Awareness Week

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (13th to 19th May) was ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’. A variety of activities were planned for the week and started in Morning Meeting with a moving and thoughtprovoking reading about a young girl’s journey as she learns about her own mental health and how to support herself.

Our Sixth Form Peer Mentors then reminded all students as to who they were and that they are trained and there to support all students as needed during break and lunchtime.

Games were available on the green during morning break all week and it was great to see so many students enjoying this activity. The activities continued during the week in form time and with quizzes at lunchtime to provoke lively discussions and conversations.

Thursday saw our ‘Wear it Green’ day when senior students could come to school in their own clothes for a donation of £1, with one item being green in colour. There were some fabulous outfits, as you can see from the selection shown here and lots of laughing as we tried hard to create a ‘jumping’ photo! Thomas Franks even prepared green desserts to be enjoyed.

We ended our support of Mental Health Awareness Week with a bun sale. Baked by Thomas Franks and decorated with green icing, they soon disappeared at morning break.

Thank you to everyone that donated during the week, helping to raise £159.40.

After lockdowns there came the continuing economic worries such as inflation impacting on costs, and a slow recovery in pupil numbers so that the life of a committed bursar was never less than challenging. Sue gave so much of herself during the pandemic to ensuring that the school could continue to operate as effectively as possible. Working within ever-changing government regulations as well as dealing with suppliers and the banks must have led to sleepless nights wondering if there was going to be a school in the next year.

A successor to Sue has been appointed and we are pleased to welcome Neil Carson as our Director of Finance and Operations. Typically, Sue has offered her time to make sure that Neil will be fully briefed on many aspects of school life, providing guidance and expertise, before she fully retires in June to enjoy time with her family, touring holidays and skiing.

We owe Sue a huge amount for her sustained efforts on our behalf. A former deputy head was heard to say recently that every school needs a Susan Allan looking after the purse. It is a fitting tribute.

David Bunney Clerk of the Committee and

AOS (1963 to 1970)

SUMMER TERM

Farewell to David Bunney

David Bunney (AOS 1963 to 1970) and Clerk to the Committee is retiring at the end of August after holding the position for 9 years. David has worked very closely with Anton Maree, Sue Allan, and more recently, Martyn Beer, always with the best interest of the school forefront of his mind. Thank you, David, for your dedication and commitment over the years. We wish you the very best for the future.

David has been a committed, enthusiastic and incredibly active Clerk to Committee for 9 years. The time, energy and love for Ackworth that he has poured into the role has been astounding. His encyclopaedic knowledge of Ackworth people, places, roles, events - present, past and historic - is unrivalled.

David has been a dedicated friend and huge support to the Head and leadership team as they led the school through some of the most challenging times in recent history. He has made a significant contribution to the life, culture, spirit and future of the school. Throughout, he is always cheerful, always positive, always encouraging, always available.

Mary Hartshorne, School Committee Member

Adam, Lower 6th Form:

I have known David for many years and across that time he shared an abundance of knowledge, honesty and most notably joy. The absence of his charisma and heart will be missed greatly in our community and I personally will always cherish my friendship with David.

I remember David telling me how he was at school when England won the World Cup in 1966, and how he and his friends were so excited. His enthusiasm lights up a room when he talks about anything, and it really is a pleasure to talk to him.

India, Year 5:

In Year 4, we got to ask him questions about Quakerism, in the meeting house. I was one of the children that got to ask a question. I really enjoyed it and found it really interesting.

I have known David all my life as he was at Ackworth with my older brother Dave from 1963 to 1970. We then overlapped one year on School Committee in 2012. Then, when David became Clerk of School Committee in 2017, he persuaded me to return to the School Committee, on which I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting David through interesting times. David has been a real asset to Ackworth, and it’s been a pleasure to work and socialise with him over the past 9 years.

I wish David all the best for the future after Ackworth.

Andy Whitely, School Committee Member

Darcy, Year 5:

He chose me first which was really exciting. It was really fun to find out so much about Quakerism from a real Quaker.

Josh, Year 4:

I remember Mr Bunney joining us for a school council meeting earlier this year. We told him all about our plans for the year. He was really nice and chatted to us, he seemed very interested in what we had planned.

Evan, Year 6:

I remember him from the interview of the new head teacher. I’ll always remember this from the one question which still nobody knows about. I also remember the smoothie bike and him coming to ride it which made us smile. He even knew my dad when he was a pupil! Thank you for all the memories.

5th Form Leavers and Prize Giving

CORAM HOUSE

Head’s Address

Another academic year has flown by bringing with it lots of change for Ackworth School. Change can affect us in various ways, both environmentally and psychologically. It can evoke feelings of uncertainty, fear, excitement, and anticipation. Change can also challenge our comfort zones, forcing us to adapt and grow. Overall, how we respond to change often depends on our mindset and resistance.

Ackworth school is a place of rich historical background. It has seen many changes (if only the buildings could speak). Its traditions, values and heritage are what I love about the place. Quaker principles have remained important throughout its history and can be felt in the buildings, its staff, and pupils.

The end of the summer term can bring mixed feelings. For some there’s the excitement about the upcoming break and the prospect of relaxation or new adventures. However, it can also mean the end of routines, friendships, and familiar environments. It is a time for reflection on our accomplishments and anticipation for what lies ahead in the next academic year.

It has been a pleasure welcoming Martyn Beer to Ackworth as it is a pleasure to welcome all new visitors. The school is a place that I am immensely proud of. Each new member of staff, new parent and new pupil quickly grasps the ethos and traditions of the place. Coram pupils and staff have enjoyed meeting our new Head and look forward to seeing what changes are in store.

Year 6 Design Technology

As I look back on this year, I feel a sense of pride and satisfaction for what each child has achieved. I thank pupils and staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year, hoping that they feel a sense of fulfilment and motivation for the future. Whether it is academic achievements or personal development, recognising our successes is a valuable part of our journey.

Enjoy a wonderful summer.

Yours faithfully,

Sally Slater

Year 6 students from Coram have been working hard in Design Technology on a STEM-based project. They were set a task to create a bridge using paper straws, with the challenge being for it to bear the heaviest load but the bridge itself must be the lightest in weight. As a class, they calculated their load to bridge weight ratios to determine the winners of the task - well done to all for their fantastic efforts! Their accuracy in measuring and teamwork was very impressive.

Year 2

Year 2 worked hard to make a moving axle on their ferris wheels.

CORAM HOUSE

400 Years of George Fox

On the year of the 400th anniversary of the birth of Quaker co-founder George Fox, Coram House organised several events to celebrate, such as taking part in the Quaker tapestry museum competition, our School Council dress an egg competition and scavenger hunt, both in the theme of fox and our inter-House sculpture competition. We also took the time to think of the wider world and of ourselves in it.

• What will we do to make a difference to the world around us?

• Will we help someone to do something difficult?

• Will we look after the earth’s resources?

• Will we cheer up the people around us?

• Will those we meet today find that the world is a brighter place because of us?

Sophie Schoukroun

Year 3 and Year 4

Carlton Lodge

“I had the fear of jumping but I was doing it anyway.”

James

“I like the opportunity of giving everything a chance.”

Georgia

“I enjoyed kayaking because I have never done this experience before.”

Arlo

“My biggest accomplishment was overcoming my fear of heights.”

Rhys

CORAM HOUSE

Year 4, 5 and 6

Edinburgh Residential Trip

In March, Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils went on a cultural 2-nights residential trip to Edinburgh. We stopped at Beamish on our way up north and immersed ourselves into Victorian England. The children are not likely to forget their trip to the Victorian dentist! They also attended a photography workshop.

In Edinburgh, they discovered the Royal Museum of Scotland with its fabulous collections, the hidden street below the Royal Mile, Mary King’s court and Camera Obscura, a feast for the eyes. On our return, we explored Bamburgh Castle and savoured our picnic on the beach. We couldn’t have hoped for a better finish.

Pupil Voice

My favourite part was Camera Obscura. I recommend going on a residential trip because you can build your confidence and it is super fun.

Holly, Year 6

I liked Camera Obscura best because there were lots of illusions. It was important to go on a residential because you had a taste of what it would be like to be away from your home and family.

Millie, Year 6

I loved the picnic on the beach and feeling the sand between my toes. Gabrielle, Year 5

I loved the beach because I got buried!

Anna, Year 5

In my opinion, I loved the illusion place best! I loved soooooo much more about the trip!

Darcey, Year 5

CORAM HOUSE

Year 6 Yorkshire Sculpture Park Visit

To link with their topic of sculpture, Year 6 visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP). The children learnt a great deal about a plethora of artists and the sculptures on exhibit in the spectacular 500-acre grounds. They were particularly enthralled by the Barbara Hepworth piece ‘The Family of Man’, which has been a resident piece on the hillside at YSP for over 40 years. They thought the pieces resembled ‘stone henge’, ‘people’ and even ‘the stages of life’. With the final sculpture being described by them as: ‘the reaper’, ‘the doorway’ and ‘the creator’.

Becoming part of the piece, the children were amazed by the ‘Deer

Shelter Skyspace’, created by James Turrell, and the way the weather added to the feeling of the piece. They thought that the rain falling looked ‘like lasers’.

As the children moved around the park, they were delighted to view some of the indoor collections including that of Yukihiro Akama, who created wooden sculptures inspired by Japanese temples and shrines.

Pupils participated whole heartedly during their opportunity to create their very own exhibition and built stunning abstract sculptures inspired by titles of previous pieces on show at the park. Once built, the groups named their piece and explained their thinking behind the build.

Although a wet day, the spirits of the children were not dampened and they were enthralled by the explanations and opportunities given to them by Vinny and Connor, our guides for the day.

Anne Nicklin, Year 6 Coram House Teacher

Year 6 Production

Year 6 children are well underway with their theatrical performance rehearsal for this year’s The Wind in the Willows. They worked extremely hard to prepare for the performance and vocal auditions. After the difficult decision making to assign the roles, the hard work really began; the children have been working tirelessly to learn their lines, blocking and songs. We have already seen outstanding standards of commitment from the children and are waiting in anticipation to see the polished performance.

CORAM HOUSE

Global Fashion Sale 2024

Explain what you did. Why did you do it?

The Global Committee has representatives from Year 1 to Year 6 and meet fortnightly. They wanted to make a difference to promote an understanding of the fast fashion industry. It was decided that a fashion sale would be the way forward to promote the importance of recycling clothing. Year 5 introduced the concept of fast fashion to the whole school during an opening assembly in Global Week. The assembly covered all aspects of the industry from working conditions, consumerism and recycling/global impact. Each class from Reception to Year 6 created their own pop-up shop to sell their recycled clothes. Posters were made to promote the businesses. Each item of clothing was priced at £1, and all donations have gone towards adopting an animal from the World Wide Fund for Nature. Fashion stalls were also opened up to the wider community including parents and grandparents so they could also support the event. A total of £109 was raised.

Did you have to overcome any barriers or difficulties when trying to make a difference?

Some people forgot to bring in money. India

It was competitive and other sales were happening, so it was hard to sell your clothes. Ruby

People were onboard with buying second hand clothes after the assembly, but they may not have wanted to before. Freya

Have you made a difference to your local community, country or even the world?

Yes, because all the clothes and accessories that we sell would have gone to landfill. Elsie

It is a good way of saving money. Annie

Everyone had fun doing it. Sebastian

Because if we had not done the assembly about fast fashion people would keep on doing it and not recycle or reuse clothes. Freya

It makes a difference to the world because it can end up in landfill and oceans and animal can die from eating it.

Who has it impacted? Consider everyone involved. How has your project made an impact?

It has made a difference because we have helped to save endangered animals by adopting an animal. Joseph It has changed our lives because our rooms are tidier. Elsie The clothes would have been wasted and we have stopped that. India

I did not know about fast fashion before. Sebastian I would now recycle clothes more. Darcey

Year 6 Young Leaders’ Awards

The Year 6 children have worked extraordinarily hard during Spring and Summer term 2024 to complete a wide range of Young Leaders’ Award tasks. They have helped out in their communities bringing the change that they want to see: collecting litter, helping neighbours and writing letters to their local MPs. The culmination of their hard work has been the Year 6 business enterprise where each child or group of children has developed an idea, building and promoting their business. On Wednesday 12th June the young entrepreneurs attended the Coram House business fair. The Coram House playground was set up professionally and the children manned their stalls throughout the afternoon raising an astonishing £487.25 for the democratically chosen charity Cancer Research.

We as teachers commend all of the children for their hard work and extend our thanks to all of the families and friends that attended.

CORAM HOUSE

Themed Lunches

Coram House School Council takes us on a culinary journey around the world.

A legacy from last year’s School Council following a big survey on food, this year’s School Council were keen to take this project to fruition. They organised voting sessions in their respective classes for the country they would like to travel to through food.

Discovering and learning about countries through food offers us a rich and engaging experience which promotes cultural awareness and allows us to appreciate and respect diverse traditions and culinary habits. Throughout this journey, our pupils also gain a deeper understanding

of geography, history and global development. By introducing different foods, we also encourage a willingness to try new things.

Following this year’s success in Coram House, we have invited Senior School and Autism Resource to join us on this themed lunch project, in the hope that together, we can help build a sense of community and mutual respect by learning more about the world and its cuisine.

Sophie Schoukroun

Year 2Iceland

Year 5 - Italy

Year 6Japan

Year 4Scotland

Year 3 & 4 - Spain

CORAM HOUSE Green Tree Bronze Award

Ackworth School have now achieved the bronze level Green Tree Schools award. This has involved the children in a variety of woodland/nature related activities. I am pleased to say that over the last 2 years the Peace Garden woodland has been extended and we have collectively planted approximately 200 saplings. Global Committee has been promoting all things nature related and have organised and run the Wonderfully Wild photography competition. Year 5 have been thinking about mental wellbeing and what we are thankful for and created a gratitude tree.

Catherine Bradley, Coram Teacher

Mental Awareness Week

People of all ages were encouraged to move more for their mental health, as part of this year’s Mental health awareness week 2024. The theme of this year’s campaign was ‘Movement: moving more for our mental health.’

Our anti-bullying ambassadors (ABAs) took this opportunity to complete some work towards their wellbeing badge. They took assembly at the start of the week, explained their role and taught Reception to Year 6 pupils and staff their take on the Jerusalema dance challenge. They set Coram House a challenge: can we move more for our mental health and can we do this together and have fun? Our Nursery children joined the challenge and used it to share their worries with their friends. This culminated in Coram House first ever flash mob on our front playground.

In PSHE, Year 4 pupils have been learning about their mental wellbeing and played a mindful moments game outside as part of their lesson. In PSHE, Year 5 explored their identity and wrote ‘I am’ poems.

This week, our Picture News focus was identity with the question ‘what is identity?’

Your identity is what makes you you, such as talent, origin, decisions, gender, age, values, culture, physical features, race and personality. If we didn’t have an identity, what would we be? (Ruby C, Year 5)

Sophie Schoukroun

SENIOR SCHOOL

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award

Howardian Hills

Pupil Voice

Theatre

trips – a reflection 2023/24

Let me preface this by admitting that I’m not a theatre kid - it’s not particularly my thing. At least, I thought this until I started going on the theatre trips with Mr Boucher. I’ve been to four productions this year, each of which told a different story. The theatre trips have served multiple purposes for me. As a history student, The Crucible converted my lifeless textbook into a vivid and compelling story about the outbreak of witch hunts in 17th Century Massachusetts. My Beautiful Laundrette explored the dreams and realities of gay men living in Britain’s Thatcher era and taught me a lot about how social hostilities can affect individuals. My final theatre trip was Come From Away at the Leeds Grand - this was my first musical! It showed a refreshing and heartwarming story against the backdrop of a terrible disaster. But the first play I went to see was Ken Loach’s play ‘I, Daniel Blake’ which told

a heartbreakingly joyous story about finding friendship in times of hardship, brought on by dysfunctional government policies. To put it lightly, this play upset me. Truth be told, I sobbed the whole bus ride home. I would have never expected a production like this to have such an impact on me. In total despair and hopelessness about our country’s welfare state, I searched for ideas on how to make a difference and to help in some way. This is where the PeaceJam programme opened doors for me as I could explore avenues of social change in my Social Action Project. However, the message of ‘I, Daniel Blake’ took me even further and influenced my plans for university. In September, I am looking forward to studying Social and Public Policy with the aim of understanding social policies in the hope of bettering them. Therefore, I would say that if one of Mr Boucher’s theatre trips happens to catch your attention, even if you have the smallest inclination, you should jump at the opportunityyou really never know how much it can change your life.

Izzy, Upper 6th Form

SENIOR SCHOOL

Drama National Youth Theatre Success

Six students from Ackworth School have beaten the odds to be offered places in the 2024 intake of the National Youth Theatre.

Congratulations to Adam (L6), Erin (Y11), Eve (Y11), Harvey (Y11), Feli (Y10) and Nina (Y10), who have all been offered places on National Youth Theatre (NYT) courses. All six students have developed their performance skills in academic Drama lessons, LAMDA/Trinity classes and numerous extracurricular performances at Ackworth School.

The NYT holds annual acting auditions and technical theatre interviews around the United Kingdom, receiving an average of over 6,500 applicants. Currently, around 500 places are offered on summer acting and technical courses, which offer participants NYT membership upon completion. Members are then eligible to audition for the company’s productions, which are staged in London’s West End, around the country, and internationally.

There is a long list of performers who started at NYT and are now performing on the global stage - Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Daniel Day-Lewis, Daniel Craig, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matt Smith, Sheridan Smith, just to name a few. NYT alumni include some of the world’s most celebrated performers, award-winning backstage talent working at leading events around the globe and cultural leaders at leading venues.

14 students from Ackworth auditioned for a place back in March 2024, with students participating in a three-hour workshop with a professional actor, before engaging in a one-to-one audition where they had to perform a monologue of their choice. The six students who successfully applied have all been invited to a two-week acting course over the summer, after which they become official members of the company. Thereafter, they have a rich range of opportunities at their fingertips - from play auditions to skill workshops, from masterclasses to theatre, film and TV castings - from their respective points of entry up to the age of 25.

Some of the successful applicants shared their feelings on the experience:

Harvey said, ‘It is an honour to get into NYT with how difficult the competition is. I am excited to start soon and hope to progress using the course.’

Feli said, ‘When I found out I got into NYT honestly at first, I didn’t believe it! I had to double check that it wasn’t a mistake because, from what I’ve been told about it and from what

I have researched, to get into NYT is a once in a lifetime opportunity because it opens so many doors in terms of acting. Thousands of people audition and some of them more than once, so to get in first try is just incredible. This is an opportunity not many get, and I am forever grateful.’

Nina said, ‘On the day of the National Youth Theatre workshop and auditions I felt excited but nervous as I didn’t know what to expect. As the day went on, I began to enjoy myself and to see that the NYT teacher was fun and friendly. When it was time for the audition, I felt much more confident, and I was amazed when I was accepted as part of the NYT. I am very grateful for this amazing opportunity!’

Adam said, ‘Being rewarded the opportunity to be an NYT member means an awful lot to me. I started my journey in drama at Ackworth and have loved every moment of it since. Perhaps naturally, I never thought too much of acting as a “serious” avenue for me to pursue beyond my days at Ackworth given the volatile and harsh nature of its industry. However, earning a place in the NYT feels like I’ve got a foot in the door. I can visualise keeping drama in my life beyond school and I now have a real and professional opportunity to do so. It’s honestly so exciting and I can’t wait to get stuck into all that the NYT has to offer and to take all that I’ve learnt at Ackworth to develop it further.’

Head of Drama, Ali Boucher, said, ‘It is a fantastic result for these students, whose hard work, commitment and passion have been justly rewarded. For one student to beat such odds is a success worthy of huge celebration, as we did last year when OId Scholar Grace became the first Ackworth student to gain membership of the NYT in recent years. But for Ackworth to have six successful applicants this year, for us to build on that success in this way, is just fantastic. I am excited for the future, not just for them but for all our Drama students at Ackworth. We have a wealth of performance talent across all years - not just those unlucky enough to narrowly miss out, who deserve to try again next year, but also those too young to audition last March. We will absolutely apply to audition again next year, and we will be working with all our students to enable them to emulate these feats in the years to come, to showcase and deepen their talents, and to show how all areas of Ackworth’s Performance Faculty deliver above and beyond expectations for the young people we teach.’

SENIOR SCHOOL

Food Preparation and Nutrition

During this half term we have been looking at building independence and enhancing organisational skills.

1st Form have really enjoyed making a number of dishes and have shown great organisational and independence during practical assessments. They have enjoyed making several dishes including decorated buns, macaroni cheese, scone-based pizza swirls and summer fruit crumble. During these practicals they have been ensuring that their product looks appetising, whilst learning about using seasonal food and how to reduce food waste. We are very lucky at Ackworth that we have an apple orchard which we collected apples from in the autumn term. We stewed the apples and froze them for the pupils to use in their apple crumble with other summer fruits.

2nd Form have been improving their organisational skills and ensuring that they make a good quality family friendly product. These range from KFC chicken and wedges, Portuguese custard tarts, Peri Peri chicken and rice and microwave chocolate pudding. They have also been looking at why certain ingredients are used in recipes - the science behind the ingredients and heat transfer methods used in cooking.

3rd Form are looking at street food this term and have been looking at presentation skills. During their practicals they have made a cheese and onion slice, sausage rolls, marinated chicken and flat bread. All the pupils have tried really hard to ensure that their products are presented in a professional way. During the

theory lessons they have been learning about nutritional requirements of specific target groups and how to adapt recipes to ensure everyone is included.

4th Form have been perfecting a variety of different skills. We have been concentrating on food styling and organisational skills as, although three hours seems a long time to produce a number of dishes in their non-examined assessment next year, it is in fact not. This term we have made several products in which they have either up-skilled or practiced skills they will need in their practical exam next year. They all enjoyed making baked cheesecake, chocolate torte, sweet and sour with egg fried rice, mini black forest cakes, curry and naan bread.

Autism Resource and Pre-A level have enjoyed making a number of dishes which include lasagne and garlic bread, cinnamon buns and pizza.

Sarah Wilkinson, Head of Food and Nutrition

Nutritional Talk

Thomas Franks, our caterers, treated our senior students to an enlightening talk on nutrition. They shared invaluable insights on the importance of nutrition in exam preparation, offering tips on brain-boosting foods and even sharing a delicious breakfast recipe. A highlight was the opportunity to sample a delightful breakfast treat of granola and yogurt.

A big thank you to Thomas Franks for generously sharing their knowledge and helping our students prepare for success in their exams.

SENIOR SCHOOL

3rd Form Art Project

Pupil Voice

In 3rd Form art we have been studying the theme Everyday Objects. We have explored a range of artists as well as two and three-dimensional media.

We looked at the work of Michael Craig-Martin, which are mainly bold and simplistic large-scale creations like murals on a wall. We also took a dive into photography and collage developing our own work in a personal way. We also studied a painter called Lisa Milroy whose work is often presented as multiples of the same objects; her brush strokes are broad, expressive and visible.

We’ve also experimented with drawing and painting techniques

through observational work of food packaging, which have improved our 2D skills further.

More recently we have focused on the Taiwanese American ceramic artist Stephanie H Shih. Her work is focused on creating realistic sculptures of food packaging which explores the cultural differences and memories associated with food. This inspired us to look at the food packaging we have in our own homes, and develop a response, similar to Shih’s, in clay. Once we finished creating these, we have added paint which is when we saw them come to life.

We have really enjoyed the projects we have been given this year and we especially liked the clay making part as it is something different to what we would usually do.

You can see our work on display on Celebration Day.

Isla and Verity, 3rd Form

SENIOR SCHOOL

2nd Form Hepworth Art Gallery Clay Workshop

Pupil Voice

For the 2nd Form art trip we went to The Hepworth Gallery. Whilst we were there we learnt about the different materials, textures and shapes used in sculpture and what Barbara Hepworth used in her famous artworks.

Hepworth’s art pieces are very unique as some were very large in size, but she created them all by hand. She also added holes within her sculptures to show the inside of them and frame the views through them.

Using natural materials, we recreated some of her artwork and used clay to explore the shapes and textures she also used. We were given a range of tools and shown different techniques to make our own clay sculptures that we brought back to school to display.

Finally, we were given the opportunity to further explore the Gallery, which also included a visitors’ shop. We learnt a lot and would love to go again in the future!

Kria and Bella, 2nd Form

SENIOR SCHOOL

Music

Returning back after Christmas is always a little bleak; there are no big celebrations to look forward to (until the Easter holidays), the weather is cold, and the days are short, often arriving at and leaving school in the dark. It’s a different story in the Music Department, however, as we begin working towards a busy term full of performances, events and trips. The students are always looking forward to the opportunities that we are so lucky to be able to provide here at Ackworth School.

Firstly, we were able to invite a number of Coram House musicians to perform at an informal concert to parents and other students. It was lovely to see the young talent blossoming, from brand new beginners (some as young as six years old!) to those who will be embarking on their Senior School journey in September.

After the February half term, we then jumped straight in with a trip to London, incorporating a piano masterclass and recital at Steinway Hall, and a trip to see Frozen the Musical. We were delighted to be joined by Steinway performer Caterina Grewe, who delivered masterclasses to five of our pianists. It was wonderful to see the students getting so much out of this experience, and it was obvious that they enjoyed and took on board the wonderful feedback that Caterina gave. After a musical treasure hunt around Covent Garden, we sat back and enjoyed the matinee performance of Frozen, and as a surprise to the students were able to meet Laura Dawkes, who played the role of Anna. The trip to London has become a firm favourite in the music department, and we are already pondering on what show to go see next year.

Soon after this, we were then preparing for our entry into the Rothwell Music Festival, in which both Coram Choir and Senior Choir performed. Adjudicated by Sheffield-based vocalist, Vivienne Pike, the competition is a regular event in our department calendar and the students enjoy the opportunity to perform here as well as hear other choirs perform. While sadly this time we were not successful in getting first place, the feedback our choir received was valuable, and acknowledged the potential of the performers; as about half of our Senior Choir is made up of students from 1st and 2nd Form, this hopefully gave them a little inspiration for the future.

The last performance before Easter was the Easter Concert, which also celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the opening of the Music Centre. We welcomed back six old scholars who shared some fond memories of their time as a musician at Ackworth, one of which attended the school when the Music Centre was once one of the boarding houses and the music department was situated where the Autism Resource currently is. There was a mixed bag of pieces, from classical to jazz, solos and groups, established pieces to premieres, but the thing that united all the music and musicians was a clear love and passion for music-making.

This will be one of the performances that I will always remember and look back fondly at throughout my teaching career.

After a well-deserved Easter break, the choirs were back on the road, this time performing at Wakefield Cathedral, as part of their Tuesday lunchtime recital. Again, this has become a regular event in the music department calendar, and the Cathedral’s Director of Music has already approached us about booking in more performance opportunities for next year.

Moving forward into the Summer Term, we have more events to look forward to, such as our Annual Community Charity Concert, Party on the Green, the music concert at Celebration Day, and the music department trip to Normandy – look out for the articles on these in the next edition of Ackworth Today

Oliver McCarthy-Bell, Director of Music

Pupil Voice

I had a brilliant time joining choir at the beginning of the year. It welcomes you super well, and you get the gist pretty quick. Sing. It provides so many amazing opportunities like performing concerts and even going on trips. I had an absolutely incredible weekend down in London and would do anything just to relive it again. If you think you can sing, join.

Vinnie, 2nd Form

As I often say when it gets to this time of the year, it’s “Choir Season”. First we took some of our students to the capital city to Steinway Hall in March, for our second trip there ever - we were fascinated by self-playing digital pianos, pianos as old as the company itself and Steinway’s rich musical history - I was one of a few lucky students to have a piano masterclass with Caterina Grewe, an AMAZING concert pianist who helped me learn and achieve so much. We then went to watch Frozen, spent time around Covent Garden and all of its theatres and billboards, with stars of the stage on every building, and built friendships that would last a lifetime.

In March was the Easter Concert, celebrating the successes of the Music Centre since its opening in 1994. Many old scholars returned, and with such a variety of styles of music, the event was a triumph, with a full auditorium and huge rounds of applause, and wholeschool participation from Coram House to the 6th Form, it was a truly remarkable event, and my favourite of this academic year so far. George and myself sang a duet from Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” (which we are studying for A-Level Music) about two princes who while different at the beginning of the song, become friends at the end.

We have just performed at the lunchtime recital at Wakefield Cathedral - which is always a pleasure to do. The response and the full room we receive is always very much appreciated. We sang some of our choir-classics such as “Ide Were” and “Rise Like A Phoenix”, and an incredible solo by Harvey, who I was very proud of that day.

We look forward to our other events now, such as the charity concert, party on the green/open day, and our tour to Normandy in July. We have lots of new material in the works and we can’t wait for you all to hear it. Noah, Lower 6th Form

In March, Senior Choir along with Coram Choir, soloists and old scholars performed in a concert to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the opening of the Music Centre. It was amazing to see people of all ages and year groups come

together to put on this spectacular concert. I really enjoyed seeing everyone perform, especially the old scholars who shared memories of their time at Ackworth School and how music played an important role during their time at school.

Bella, 2nd Form

This month, the Choir performed at Wakefield Cathedral. We performed 3 songs as a choir: “Rise Like a Phoenix” (which is my favourite as it is infused with joy and enthusiasm), “Rhythm of Life”, (a song full of energy and complex intertwining melodies) and “Ide Were” (a very old song out of the Yoruban tradition, based on the traditional chants of Ochun, the goddess of love). Chamber Choir also performed two songs – “Everybody said Don’t” (an upbeat, lively piece of music with interesting melodies and fun solo parts) and “Seize the Day”. Coram Choir also sang two beautiful pieces, my particular favourite was “Naughty” from Matilda the Musical. It was a great experience, infused with lovely catchy pieces of music. Charlotte, 5th Form

SENIOR SCHOOL

Chemistry

Keeping up with the end of year Chemistry Department tradition, A Level students completed their final practical by making their own silver mirror flasks.

Geography

3rd Form data collection around school grounds.

SENIOR SCHOOL History

1st Form have been busy making castles as part of their history lesson. There were some fantastic designs and great use of materials.

Design Technology

The Autism Group have been working really hard in Design Technology on a range of lamps. They have worked with wood and acrylic plastic to create their designs. What a fantastic job they have done.

Our Pre A-Level Design Technology group have created their own bespoke stationery holders. They have carefully designed their pieces using Computer Aided Design and Manufacture. They have worked well to ensure they produced high quality final pieces with attention to detail. Well done to them all.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Design Technology The Tech Tournament

On Tuesday 12th March, two teams from 3rd Form and 4th Form were selected to represent the school at the Rotary Club tech tournament. Our task was to send a table tennis ball (space capsule) as high as possible whilst staying straight. We had to activate it from 1 meter using a mechanism we designed; this was a challenge as we had limited materials made up of wood, rubber bands, glue and a cup. The teams had to create a detailed design to hand in before lunch to show the judges. After that, the game was on. Teamwork was key as groups were working on their builds, each with a new perspective and view on how to come out on top. In the end, both of the Ackworth teams did very well, just missing out on a podium finish. We just want to say a big thank you to Mr Sanderson and Miss Brien for taking us and letting us have the opportunity to compete.

Spanish Trip to Andalucía 2024

In February 2024, I had the great pleasure of taking 24 pupils on a fantastic trip to the south of Spain. After a very early start departing from school at 3am and a very long but picturesque coach journey through Andalucía, we finally arrived in el Puerto de Santa María, a small port town in the southern region of Cádiz. A quick turnaround after dropping off our luggage meant we were able to spend some time at the local beach, though it turned out to be a little too chilly for paddling. By this time pupils were exhausted from the very long day and a BBQ followed by a showing of Disney’s Encanto (in Spanish of course) set us up for the action-packed day ahead.

On the second day, the weather took a turn for the worse, but the spirits of the pupils couldn’t be dampened. First on the agenda was a Spanish lesson, with tailored sessions for each ability group. It was amazing to see the joy on pupils’ faces as they left the classrooms, each delighted with what they had accomplished. All pupils really engaged with the teacher, and I was incredibly proud to hear how impressed the staff were with the level of Spanish knowledge demonstrated by each student. All students then took part in flamenco dancing lessons, and this seemed to be a real hit. Pupils then learnt to make an authentic paella, learning specific vocabulary as they did so; this then resulted in an absolutely delicious lunch for us all. In the afternoon, we headed out for a walking tour of El Puerto de Santa María where we learnt about the history of the town and saw some breathtaking architecture before grabbing some Spanish pastries as a mid-afternoon sweet snack. Pupils were then given the opportunity to have a language exchange with some of the English language learners attending lessons in the Spark language academy. I was so incredibly proud of the resilience, skill and determination shown by all those who got involved.

SENIOR SCHOOL

The third day of our action-packed adventure saw further immersion experiences.

Following their second language lesson, pupils were treated to some delicious churros con chocolate in a local café before putting their language skills to the test on the bus to Cádiz. Our pupils are always incredibly polite, and I was so impressed with how readily they struck up conversations with local carnival goers and how much of their Spanish lessons they applied to this real-world experience. One of the main reasons to go on a trip like this is to be able to hear a range of regional accents, and to tune their ears into colloquialisms and ways of shortening phrases that native speakers use. We received so many amazing comments, especially when the children used their language skills in shops and cafes.

teacher, it was an incredibly proud and emotional experience for me as I was able to see their linguistic competences in an authentic setting as well as how much passion for the language they each demonstrated at every opportunity.

Georgina Crowther, Head of MFL

Their confidence grew exponentially, and the locals were astounded by their linguistic competence.

We had several hours in Cádiz and were able to see the Carnival in full flow. The students had great fun listening to music, watching performances, and taking photos with locals in fancy dress as part of a competition in the main square. A trek up the Torre Tavira gave us the most phenomenal views of Cádiz, after we experienced the live view from the Camera Obscura.

Pupils were rewarded with certificates to celebrate their exceptional achievements on the trip. The trip was always designed for total immersion and as their Spanish

Pupil Voice

I was lucky enough to enjoy this fantastic opportunity to immerse myself in Spanish culture and learn the language from native speakers. Every day was packed with everything traditionally Spanish, from flamenco dancing, to cooking paella. It was amazing to have first-hand experience of a Spanish festival when we went around the ancient port of Cádiz. It was also breath-taking seeing the city from the iconic Torre Tavira, one of the city’s watch towers. This trip is definitely the best I’ve ever been on. Harriet, 4th Form

The trip to El Puerto de Santa María was amazing. We were able to completely immerse ourselves in the Spanish culture by partaking in activities such as paella cooking and flamenco dancing, alongside exploring the city of Cádiz where we were able to see an authentic Spanish Carnival. This was by far the best school trip that I have ever been on due to the sheer amount of confidence I believe that I have gained from interacting with native Spanish speakers. Alfred, 4th Form

SENIOR SCHOOL

Naples Trip

During the Easter holidays four intrepid teachers set out on a joint Geography and History mission to Naples. Taking 30 students, we navigated the perils of a drive to Stansted, before jetting off to begin our adventure.

After a long first day we arrived late in the evening to our hotel. The next four days were jam packed with explorations. From the gently smouldering Vesuvius to the impressive sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum we did A LOT. We also visited some impressive Limestone Caves, experiencing a short boat trip and underground tour to view some awe-inspiring rock formations, took in half a day in the beautiful Amalfi, all the while marvelling at the superhuman abilities of our driver to navigate Italian traffic! We also visited a buffalo mozzarella farm, sampled the delights of local ice cream and took a tour of the Naples Underground, viewing the different uses throughout the ages. All in all a fabulous, if tiring trip. The food may have been a bit samey, but there were plenty of opportunities to supplement our food intake and sample different delights.

The students were amazing. They were well-behaved, good fun and took a good interest in all of the activities.

The weather wasn’t half bad too. All 34 of us returned safely, if late back to school, slightly exhausted and in need of some fruit and vegetables, but what a trip.

Heather Gordon, Head of History

Pupil Voice

Pupil Voice

Going to Naples was really fun. I loved all the history aspects of the trips. Seeing all the temples still standing after hundreds even thousands of years. Pompeii was amazing and really interesting. I’d been before but I got to see new buildings and learn new facts about the city. Herculaneum was brilliant. Similar to Pompeii and gave a better insight into how people lived in the past. The Amalfi coast was beautiful. A little scary sometimes in the bus on those windy roads but it was worth it for the views we got. I really enjoyed going to Naples and getting to see so much.

Freya, Upper 6th Form

British Spies and Beauty Pageants

Where do I start? The Miss England finals were an experience like no other. If anyone ever says all you have to do is turn up and look pretty, take my word for it they are very wrong. Two suitcases, every hair appliance known to man, skin care, make up, costumes, dresses, shoes and accessories all loaded into the car. Pre-journey preparation involved filming talent videos, creating vintage costumes by recycling garments and accessories, drafting PowerPoint presentations about where you live, being

put through your paces by ex-royal marines in sports rounds, speaking to the media, organising charity events and fundraising and, in particular for myself, more work on my cause - my dyslexia campaign. To add to my list of unique viewpoints during my dyslexia campaign, I managed to secure an interview with a British Intelligence Spy from GCHQ, an interview that had been in the pipeline for almost 6 months. If you haven’t watched it already you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. Continued over page…

Left: Miss England final, evening gown round

SENIOR SCHOOL

Once finals days arrive, the pressure to an extent is off; you can only focus on the here and now. Anything that has passed is out of your control. It’s a relief in a way once you step into reversals on day one of the final because someone else is telling you what to do. You have the guidance of Lisa Powell, the wonderfully supportive choreographer, the director of Miss England Ltd Angie Beasley, whose encouragement keeps everyone going and the whole Miss England team, who become your extended family. I won’t deny the pressure all competitors feel: long days, rigorous rehearsals, tears wiped away, and plenty of laughter. Through all of this, you form bonds with people that will remain for a lifetime, friendships and kindness that is given unconditional; you are all in this together. It’s a special type of event where the adrenaline pumps and emotions, good and bad, can run high at times for some people. Most importantly, precious memories are made along with stories that can be told. Midnight debriefs in each other’s rooms forge the bonds of friendships further.

At the time of writing I am mid-GCSE season, this is where my focus rests for now. I am planning how I will take my dyslexia campaign forwards. If anyone has any suggestions, or can help in some way, please let me know or ask school reception to contact me to discuss. Despite my youth I do have some words of wisdom for all, live a life less ordinary - it won’t disappoint and may open the door to your next dream.

Alexandria, 5th Form

Miss England final, blue team, bare faced round

Miss England final, receiving my balls to cancer/ charity certificate

Miss England final, 1920’s travel, eco outfit round

Miss England final. My good friend from the competition and the new Miss England 2024, with her mum and my mum

Alexandria’s charity football match with Ackworth Football Academy VS Harrogate shadow squad

Alexandria’s charity football match - Anton (L6th) - man of the match

SENIOR SCHOOL

School Officers

Congratulations to our newly elected School Officers – Adam, Andrew, Becky, George, Joel and Noah.

Pupil Voice

Applying for the school officer post was a structured and enlightening experience. Initially, I completed an application form that allowed the teachers in charge to gain a deeper understanding of my background. Following this, I participated in a group session where we were given a scenario and only 15 minutes to discuss, plan an event, and present our ideas.

I was motivated to apply for this role because I believe my unique background, having attended three different schools in three different countries, has provided me with a well-rounded and integrated perspective. This diverse experience has equipped me with a wealth of ideas, knowledge, and wisdom that I was eager to contribute. Additionally, I saw this as an opportunity to challenge myself, stretch out of my comfort zone and learn more about the school and Quakerism.

Andrew, Lower 6th Form

Throughout my time at Ackworth I have always enjoyed and participated in the privileges of student voice that we have. Collaboration between staff and students across the whole school is really important for the progress and welfare of a school community. I applied to be a school officer in the hope that the experiences and qualities that I have, many of which I developed at Ackworth, would be deemed as useful and beneficial for the school.

After an application process that consisted of a written application; a group task; and opinions from student peers and staff I am proud to have been granted the opportunity to be a school officer. I now look forward to working with my fellow student leaders, staff and the whole school to focus on Quaker values, student voice,

6th form events, and other matters that may be brought to our attention.

Adam, Lower 6th Form

Over 6 years at this school, I have gained a genuine appreciation and understanding of Ackworth school and its values. This deep-rooted culture of community, equality and integrity coupled with my hopes to lead and gain more leadership experience motivated me to apply to be School Officer.

Firstly, we had to write an application form where we were asked to explain why we wanted to be a school officer and what qualities and skills made us suitable for the position. Then we were split into groups of 4 and we were given 20 minutes to produce a presentation for a school activity for one of the Quaker ethos values. Finally, teachers and students in Lower Sixth were asked to give their opinion on the 14 people who applied.

Joel, Lower 6th Form

In all of the institutions and schools I have attended, student leadership is a role I have always been keen on taking part in. Becoming a voice for those who may not have one or struggle to convey their opinions, as myself, is what I aimed for. During my application process I had to demonstrate desirable qualities through my past experiences and active work in a team, which showed whether I was fit for the position, and I am happy to say that through it, I feel confident that Ackworth has an array of extremely capable students and leaders.

Becky, Lower 6th Form

House Captains

Congratulations to our recently elected House Captains.

Fothergill – Abigail, Dagem and Leighton

Gurney – Catherine, Jonas and Murray

Penn – Rachel, Sohni and Theo

Woolman – Hannah, Shanae and Viola

OUT OF SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS

Alex, Autism Resource

As part of his transition leaving Autism Resource, Alex has started some volunteer work at Ackworth Library. Here he is interacting with a young visitor to the library and re-cataloguing books, adding new bar codes and date cards.

Ray, Year 6

Here is Ray in May, alongside Marty Bear at the launch of the giant zip line event at Escape for Martin House Children’s Hospice. Ray was there for the morning and helped to film some video content as well as raising £300 for Martin House Children’s Hospice, which will go towards their Big Build campaign for refurbishment of the hospice. Great work Ray.

West Yorkshire U15 netball team

Jasmine and some of her Leeds Rhinos team with Geva Mentor, who plays for England

Jasmine, 3rd Form

Congratulations to Jasmine, who has recently been selected to play netball for West Yorkshire U15, Leeds Rhinos U15 and Wildcats U16 team.

SPORTS ACADEMIES

Senior School

Table Tennis

Many congratulations to Alex and Hiko, who have been selected to represent England Schools for Table Tennis at the ISF World Schools competition in Bahrain in October 2024. The team is made up of 6 players, representing a fantastic achievement that will give Alex and Hiko the opportunity to compete internationally and represent Ackworth School on the world stage. We look forward to following their progress in the Autumn.

SPORTS ACADEMIES

Tennis Primary school outreach

afternoon

Football

Pupil Voice

Captain’s reviewAckworth School U15s football season

It’s been a pleasure to Captain the team this season. I could tell early on that this team was going to be special - there was more talent and desire in the squad than in any other season.

From the coach to the players, we never gave in. We kept a strong mindset that kept us together as a team.

Our team then entered a cup competition with over 600 public and private schools - some of these schools had over 2,000 students. Unfortunately, we lost our game to get to the last 16 schools and finished in 32nd place, but what an achievement for the team of a school with just over 50 students in the year.

The season went really well and was capped off by winning the league after a 10-2 victory against Wakefield Trinity.

Being the first team to win the league in a long time means a lot, and this team will now be a part of the school’s history.

Ashton, U15s Captain

U15 Girls

The U15 girls football team have shown great improvement throughout this year, and it has been fantastic to see how not only their skills, but confidence has grown. Their triumph within the Wakefield girl’s cup showed their commitment and enthusiasm to flourish. We have welcomed more and more girls into our football club this year and hope to see many more enjoy the sport. The school looks forward to including more girls in football next year and to watching them develop and succeed just as much as this U15 girls football team has done this year.

Nicole Marshall

Football Yoga SPORTS ACADEMIES

This year, Yoga was introduced as part of the Training Program for the Football Academy. As a Mindfulness & Yoga Instructor, I create bespoke sessions for the team which support and enhance both physical and mental fitness. The boys have demonstrated a high level of commitment. It has been great to see them developing their breath-awareness, flexibility and stamina. It is particularly interesting to observe how much the students relish the opportunity to connect with peace and quiet –thereby unhooking their minds from the external demands of the day. By turning their attention inwardly and working with their body and breath, they have been able to connect with their own sense of ‘being’. This experience is helping the team both on and off the pitch as it strengthens resilience and increases self-confidence.

Katy Devine, Yoga Instructor and House Parent

After just one session of yoga with Miss Devine, I felt much better. My stiff body was relaxed and my mind was made clearer. Cyrus

Yoga is a big part of my training at the Football Academy, and it’s super important for both my body and mind. When I do yoga, I get to stretch and make my muscles stronger, which helps me move better and avoid getting hurt during games. But it’s not just about the physical stuff – yoga also helps me chill out and stay focused by teaching me to breathe calmly. So, it’s not just about being fit; it’s about feeling good inside and out, which helps me perform better on the field and handle whatever life throws at me. Additionally, it teaches me to focus on my breath, improving my concentration and reducing stress. Caleb

Working on yoga I think is more mental than physical. It is a place where you connect with your breath and stay in the present

moment. Miss Devine in this yoga classes does a good job and instructs every individual with patience. Our football academy has yoga once every two weeks which I think is beneficial. I have gotten more flexible since I started practicing yoga and it clearly has a positive effect on my mental wellbeing which is essential for performance on the pitch. Dagem

When I was introduced to yoga alongside training/ recovery, I was a bit reluctant to fully commit to it, however I’ve started to learn the benefits of doing yoga. Yoga doesn’t only help with recovery, it also helps with the psychological side of the game. This is due to the mental calmness and emotional control that comes with practicing yoga. I really do feel that yoga can be an essential part of a footballer’s training regime and I have fully adopted it as part of mine. Jordan

SPORTS ACADEMIES

The yoga sessions have been very beneficial for me and others - sessions are very therapeutic and have enhanced my flexibility and mobility which benefits me greatly on the field. I find it eases my body and mindset as it strengthens me both mentally and physically. Miss Devine, our yoga teacher, has been extremely helpful throughout the sessions, keenly adjusting our postures and exercises to maximise the impact of our practice. I highly recommend yoga for anyone who wants to better themselves, physically or mentally. Jericho

Discovering yoga through Miss Devine and the Football Academy has been a revelation, enriching me physically, mentally, and spiritually. Physically, it’s finetuned components of football that are often overlooked like balance and flexibility which I believe can be helpful to any player. Mentally, it’s cultivated a calm focus, ensuring my mind doesn’t drift and when it does, being conscious of it and returning to focus. I am truly grateful for Miss Devine’s work and patience with us and the whole academy system for giving me an opportunity to learn something new. Andrew

Yoga has been a game-changer for me. It boosts my strength and flexibility for peak performance on the field while keeping me centred and stress-free off it.

Incorporating yoga into my routine has significantly enhanced my flexibility, strength, and balance, all of which are crucial for peak performance on the field. The various poses and sequences help to stretch and strengthen muscles, improve posture, and prevent injuries, allowing me to perform at my best during matches and training sessions. Zeloul

Yoga has become an indispensable part of my training regime at the Football Academy, contributing significantly to both my physical preparedness and overall wellbeing. The practice not only enhances my flexibility, strength, and balance, crucial for on-field performance, but also fosters a deep sense of mental clarity and focus. Through mindful breathing and movement, yoga empowers me to tune into my body, alleviating stress, and promoting relaxation, which are essential for optimal athletic performance. Beyond the physical benefits, incorporating yoga into my routine has helped me cultivate a resilient mindset, enabling me to navigate the highs and lows of both training and competition with greater equanimity. It’s truly a holistic approach to fitness that enhances every aspect of my athletic journey. Tensae

Yoga contributes to my physical training and general wellbeing. The movement and postures challenge my body’s limits while developing a profound sense of awareness and

tranquillity within. Each session allows my body to release tension and help restore my body. Ithael

Attending yoga sessions was a bit different for me at the start, however I soon adapted and it became a key part of my training programme during the week. A yoga session on a Thursday night was perfect as I’d had intense training at the start of the week and then was able to loosen up at the end of the week ready to go again the following week. It isn’t just about the stretching either it allows me to zone out of the busy day and come free from all the stress. Also attending yoga on a Thursday doesn’t take much of my week up which allows me to keep up to date with my studies, have free time and keep sharp for football. Overall yoga has been a very beneficial part of my training programme and my general well-being during my time in the football academy. Leighton

I find the yoga classes absolutely amazing. Miss Devine is super knowledgeable and guides us through various poses and stretches. I feel so relaxed and rejuvenated afterwards.

Charlie

Yoga allows me to really get in touch with my mind and my body which I find very difficult during the day. Yoga has also really improved my flexibility which will benefit my performance on the pitch. Every yoga pose is also clearly explained so there is no chance of getting injured. Moreover, yoga helps clear my mind and this makes me a calmer person in general. I enjoy every minute of it and I look forward to learning more about yoga. Marvin

AUTISM RESOURCE

Autism Resource staff and pupils would like to thank Liana Peck for her hard work and friendship, both as a Specialist Learning Mentor and DT Teacher. Our pupils have benefited hugely from your skill set, fun and empathy. We will miss you.

Writing The Rottweiler

Looks big, huge strong aggressive and is trained to be a gun dog or a sniffer dog. He has a wet, black nose which is powerful. The orange and black dog is quick and strong. Growls a warning growl when he finds his target.

The dog has a very big mouth and a very big, happy face. The big black and orange dog has a soft layer of its fur on his ears. When the dog is happy it wags its tail and chases it round in circles. It bounces and jumps.

When he is hungry for its food, he has a loud bark when his food is ready, and he licks his lips and slobbers.

The dog has a happy whine, waiting by the door for its walk he likes rolling in mud when he has a walk, but doesn’t like being in the bath after.

Henry

Oliver Griffin

Autism Resource are very sad to be saying goodbye to Oliver Griffin, a valued and long-standing Specialist Learning Mentor. Autism Resource has benefited hugely from Oliver’s previous experience working for the Barnsley SEND team. He has offered support, guidance and expertise to his colleagues and been a role model and advocate for our pupils. Oliver is leaving us to begin a career in teaching. We wish him all the best.

Congratulations to new parents, Keaton Ager (Specialist Learning Mentor) and Rebecca. It has been wonderful to see the joy your little girl has brought to you and your families.

Congratulations to the new Mr and Mrs Hardcastle. Our wonderful Specialist Learning Mentor, Hannah, got married over the May half term holiday to Sam. We all wish you many years of love and laughter.

AUTISM RESOURCE

Alex joined Autism Resource in 2018 while we were based in Shed Court. His love of colourful art and numbers shone immediately. Although he was quite reserved initially, his confidence around staff and pupils soon grew. We started to see his caring nature and great sense of humour build as he settled into school. Alex was a key member of the Autism Resource band, and he enjoyed sharing his musical talents with friends (as well as his fantastic dance moves). Lots of you will have had the pleasure of witnessing Alex’s dancing in the annual Barn Dance. His energy is unmatched. Miss Turner remembers a trip to the theatre when the musical director was more interested in Alex’s rhythm and musical timing than he was in his own show, and even sought Alex out after the show. Alex has been an integral member of Autism Resource. He often fundraises for school and volunteers in the PSA Shop, in addition to his outstanding academic achievements. Alex has recently sat GCSE Physics, A Level Maths and A Level Further Maths. There is no doubt that being in Alex’s presence will brighten your day. His word puzzles and hangman are legendary, and his sense of humour is what makes Alex such a popular young man. Alex, you are vibrant, determined and a credit to the school. You have undoubtedly had a lifelong impact on the staff and friends that have walked beside you.

In 2021, Claus joined his older brother, Claude, in Autism Resource. Claus is one of the most unique pupils that we have ever had the pleasure of working with. Claus is an exceptional musician. He has performed for his peers on many occasions and never fails to bring a tear to the eyes of our staff team. Claus can also speak several languages, including French, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Thai. His impressive language skills have supported him to establish pen pals in France; we hope this can continue in the future. This year, Claus was appointed as our DVD Manager in the PSA Shop. This is a testament to the progress that Claus has made in his personal, social and emotional development. Claus is a role model for his

younger peers, and he will be deeply missed by his friends. Claus, you are intelligent, kind, ambitious and gentle. We are so proud of you and everything you have achieved at Ackworth. We wish you all the best and hope that you keep in touch.

Claus wanted to say: I have loved Ackworth School, especially going out for life skills sessions. I will miss all of my staff, Miss Norcup’s hot chocolates and my music lessons. Thank you, Ackworth.

Stevie and Claus enjoyed some time in the park as part of their community lesson.

OLD SCHOLARS

‘Move it for Manorlands’:

The Belk sisters and their family run to remember their dad during Easter Weekend.

Rachel, Wendy (now Johnstone) and Liz Belk

In September 2023, we lost our dad, Jeremy Belk, to prostate cancer. Dad and Mum were both GPs at College Lane Surgery and we all grew up in Ackworth. Dad was a keen runner from his teens and he was one of the group that founded the Ackworth Half-Marathon in 1983. He got us all running from a very young age, and those who were at school with us in the 1980s might remember our running. One year, the ‘Top Forty’ in the Charity Week’s Rag Mag even included “Running in the Family by The Belks”.

L-R: Rowan, Liz, Rachel, Mary, Wendy, Noah, Nicol and Doreen

When we were thinking about the best way to celebrate him, it therefore seemed that it had to involve running - a lot - and walking, biking and every other way of clocking up miles.

Dad was cared for wonderfully through the last few months of his life by the Sue Ryder team at Manorlands Hospice, near Haworth. The Sue Ryder charity works to ensure that no one has to face dying or grief alone. They were really there for us when it mattered and we want to contribute to them continuing to be there for other families.

The idea developed into ‘Move it for Manorlands’: adding up our monthly miles and fundraising throughout 2024, but also doing specific distances, building up to the Loch Ness marathon in September. We are aiming for 5,000 miles and £5,000 raised by the end of the year.

We were most excited about our plan to run the Ackworth Half Marathon. It sadly ceased to exist from 2020 and the onset of the pandemic. However, we looked at the old route and personalised it to start from Back Lane, taking in our old home in High Ackworth, the Howard School, out on the original route to Thorpe Audlin and Wentbridge, back via East Hardwick

to Castlesyke Hill, taking in Long Island and Short Island, then finally up Station Road and turning left up to College Lane Surgery before finishing through Great Gardens and up the Green. It was extra special because it wasn’t just the three of us – it was Jeremy’s three grandsons (Rowan, Nicol and Noah) biking with us, with support en route and at the end by Rachel’s partner Fiona, our stepmum Mary and Mum. Not only that, but we were cheered in by the Easter Gatherers and the support was really fantastic. The photo is one of Elspeth Moore’s usual brilliant photos of Easter Weekend.

Rachel is the one of us that is back in school regularly whereas Wendy, Liz and their families are far away in Scotland. It was so lovely to be able to combine such a personal celebration of Dad together with all the Belks being back in school together, probably for the first time since Rachel and Wendy played in the Old Scholars’ hockey match against a school team including Liz, circa 1992.

Liz reflected on how we didn’t fully appreciate the beauty of the buildings and our surroundings as pupils, so she loved that reminder, coupled with catching up with old friends – including our Easter Secretary, Sal, as they were good friends in the same year.

Wendy says that it was like a time hop to be back there - running up The Green at the end brought memories flooding back. Everyone was so supportive – it is like one big, slightly quirky, family. It didn’t feel odd to be back there after so long – more like going home.

Our memories of Easter 2024 are very special. In the meantime, there is marathon training to be done. At the end of April, a third of the way through the year, the milometer has reached 1,780 and the fundraising stands at £2,091. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far – we are really grateful. If anyone would like to donate, our JustGiving page is here https:// www.justgiving.com/page/moveit-for-manorlands-jeremybelk and you can contact any of us if you want to know more: rachelbelk@aol.com, wmjohnstone@hotmail.co.uk, liz.belk@hotmail.co.uk

Jeremy Belk finishing the first ever Ackworth Half Marathon in 1983

The Belk sisters with their Dad L-R: Rachel, Jeremy, Liz and Wendy

The Belk family at Easter gathering after running the half marathon (taken by Elspeth Moore)

Where are they now?

It is always so lovely to welcome Old Scholars back to Ackworth and it was a pleasure to see Sanil Sachar when he brought his wife Ria to show her a place which remains firmly in his heart.

After leaving Ackworth, Sanil wasted no time in making his mark. Within a year, whilst at Sheffield Hallam University, he had his debut book published, featuring poetry penned during his time at Ackworth. Since then, he has added three more books to his repertoire, along with co-producing an Indian film. Today, he stands as the co-founder of a prominent venture capital firm in India, inspiring countless as a motivational speaker.

In a captivating session, Sanil shared tales from his Ackworth days and the invaluable lessons he learned, leaving a lasting impression on 4th Form and Lower 6th Form students. His tour of the school, accompanied by Ria, was a nostalgic journey revisiting cherished spots and memories.

A heartfelt thank you to Sanil for coming to see us and enriching our community with his experiences. And special gratitude for the personally signed books from both Sanil and Ria, a treasured addition to our library. We hope to see you again the next time you are in the UK.

Easter Gathering Photos

Left to right AOS 1956-63

Helen Smiley nee Nicolson, Charlotte Pendlebury - Cracknel nee Dakin, Richard Telford (married to AOS), Martin Smiley, Ann Telford - Kenyon

L-R: Tony Cracknel (instead of Helen Smiley), rest as above

OLD SCHOLARS

ACKWORTH OLD SCHOLARS’

EASTER AT ACKWORTH 2025

FRIDAY 18TH APRIL TO TUESDAY 22ND APRIL

EARLY-BIRD

BOOKING FORM

BOOK NOW - PAY LESS AND SPREAD THE PAYMENTS!

Book now, pay a 10% deposit before Celebration Day (Saturday 7th July 2024) then spread the outstanding amount across 2 further payments - the first to be paid by Founder’s Day (18th October 2024) and the remaining balance to be paid in full by New Year’s Eve (31st December 2024)

Easter Gathering 2025 is a special one for the following Old Scholar year groups who are celebrating milestone anniversaries, plus one that missed out due to Covid and also an egg-stra one for all those who are celebrating their 70th birthdays next year! So please do get in touch if you were at school in any of the following year groups - or if you worked at Ackworth School during those years - and would like to attend one of the reunions. I would also be very grateful to hear from anyone in groups which don’t yet have a named organiser - especially if you might be interested in helping to contact your contemporaries. We look forward to welcoming you back to school to meet up with friends & reminisce, visit familiar haunts, see what has changed in and around Ackworth, catch up and celebrate Easter in the beautiful school buildings and grounds in Spring 2025. Hope to see you all there in (at the time of writing) just 329 sleeps! Best wishes - Sal (Sal Wright - AOS Easter Secretary ���� )

REUNIONS PLANNED FOR EASTER 2025

5 Years On - end of 5th Year Summer 2020 (at school 2015-2022)

10 Years On - end of 5th Year Summer 2015 (at school 2010-2017)

15 Years On - end of 5th Year Summer 2005 (at school 2000-2007)

20 Years On - end of 5th Year Summer 2005 (at school 2000-2007)

25 Years On - end of 5th Year Summer 2000 (at school 1995-2007) - organised by Jenny Martin

30 Years On - end of 5th Year Summer 1995 (at school 1990-1997)

32 Years On - end of Upper 6th Summer 1995 (at school 1988-1995) - organised by Sal Wright

35 Years On - end of 5th Year Summer 1990 (at school 1985-1992)

40 Years On - end of 5th Year Summer 1985 (at school 1980-1987)

45 Years On - end of 5th Year Summer 1980 (at school 1975-1982)

50 Years On - end of 5th Year Summer 1975 (at school 1970-1977) - organised by Andrew Ford

55 Years On - end of 5th Year Summer 1970 (at school 1965-1972)

60 Years On - end of 5th Year Summer 1965 (at school 1960-1967) - organised by Mary Dower

70th Birthday Reunion - for everyone turning 70 in 2025 - organised by Janet Blann

CONTACT DETAILS FOR PERSON MAKING THE BOOKING: Please complete all your details; they will be kept confidentially but may be used if we need to contact you prior to the weekend:

FULL NAME:

ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE/MOBILE: EMAIL ADDRESS:

NAME AND CONTACT NUMBER OF SOMEONE WE COULD CONTACT IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY:

FURTHER REQUESTS: please use this box to detail any special requests regarding your stay, including any allergies, food requirements, and if you would like to share a room with specific people. We will do our best to accommodate your wishes. Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

OLD SCHOLARS

ACKWORTH OLD SCHOLARS’ EASTER GATHERING 2025 - PLEASE RETURN YOUR COMPLETED BOOKING FORM & PAYMENT TO:

John Golding, 23 Cricket Lane, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3PD or email it to: john.golding@outlook.com

- If paying by cheque, please make it payable to ACKWORTH SCHOOL ESTATES LTD and write your name on the back

- If paying online, please use Barclays Bank: Ackworth School Estates Ltd - Sort Code 20-90-65 Account No. 70108278 - EASTER25 plus your surname as the reference (eg. EASTER25SMITH)

- If paying by credit card, please make sure you have completed and returned the Credit Card Form with your booking

- For all booking enquiries, including special dietary requirements, accommodation queries, or if you have any questions about completing this form or the weekend in general, please contact: Sal Wright 07825 704074 / aosaeaster@yahoo.co.uk

IMPORTANT NOTES

- Accommodation space in school is limited and whilst every attempt to cater for everyone’s wishes will be made, the final accommodation plan will be produced so that the risk of turning people away is minimised. Please understand we are making use of school rooms, that all the accommodation rooms involve at least one flight of stairs and some of it is a fair walk from Centre Library. Booking early is recommended.

- There are a very small number of large rooms available so if you are booking in a group of 4 or more people, please indicate in the “Further Requests” box overleaf those that you wish to be together. If you do not specify separate rooms, it will be assumed that families would prefer to be in one room together where possible. If a quiet area is required, please request in the “Further Requests” box overleaf.

- Please indicate on the form if you require a single room by selecting and playing the Single Room Supplement in addition to your accommodation code. If we have a busy gathering & space is limited, those people who have not paid the Single Room Supplement might find themselves sharing with contemporaries. If you have contemporaries with whom you wish to share a room but are booking separately, please indicate this in the “Further Requests” box overleaf.

- We ask you to support the Easter Weekend and eat meals in school if you intend to be at school during mealtimes. We request that you do not bring picnics or your own meals onto school premises. Note that lunch and dinner are now included in the Inclusive Day Visitor Charge.

- Please note that we are accepting bookings for tents/caravans again this year, but there are no electric hook-ups, no waste facilities or Elsa disposal points, and the showers/washrooms/toilets are a short walk from the camping area.

- If you are planning to come to Easter as a Day Visitor, you now need to book & pay using this form and register with the Easter Team on arrival even if you are not having any meals.

CHECKLIST

- Have you included full names for each person in your booking?

- Have you included the correct code for each person in your booking?

- Have you used the correct booking codes/prices? Booking & paying your deposit before Open Day (Saturday 6th July 2024) means you can pay the discounted prices.

- If you are booking in Under 18s have you included ages for each child?

- Have you completed all your contact details including an emergency contact? Remember to include your telephone number and email address in case we need to contact you prior to the weekend.

- Have you enclosed your completed cheque/credit card form/made online payment and informed us how you paid?

- Have you included any additional information or requests in the “Further Requests” box overleaf?

Our aim is to make sure that all our visitors enjoy their weekend but please remember that it is your responsibility to keep yourself, your children, your guests and your property safe at all times; Ackworth School cannot accept such responsibility.

OLD SCHOLARS

Achievements Table Tennis

Some of our Old Scholars took part in the Table Tennis Senior National Championships in March.

Jasmin Wong was runner up in the women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles with Shayan Siraj, and got a bronze in the U21 women’s.

Shayan also reached the quarter final of the men’s singles and men’s doubles.

Felix Thomis was runner up in the U21 men’s singles and reached the last 16 of the men’s singles, losing to Shayan.

In the U21 women’s singles Rebecca Savage reached the last 16.

Sam Mabey, Table Tennis Academy coach, also reached the last 16 of the men’s singles. He teamed up with Felix in the men’s doubles to reach the quarter finals.

Congratulations to all on these fantastic results.

Old Scholars Dinner

As we broke for the May half-term, it was lovely to welcome back over 30 Old Scholars from the years 1976 to 1983 for a dinner, hosted by Guy Townsend.

For some, it was the first time they had been back to School since they had left. After arrival refreshments and a tour of the school, where there was a lot of reminiscing and tales told of misdemeanours, a delicious three-course meal was enjoyed and the catching up continued long into the night.

A huge thank you to all the Thomas Franks staff for such great service and a superb meal. Thank you also to all the Old Scholars who donated towards the School’s Projects Fund and raised over £1,000. It is much appreciated.

If you would be interested in holding an event at school for your year group or would be interested in getting involved with any of our school projects (whether financially or through skills you can offer), please email Alumni@ackworthschool.com

OLD SCHOLARS Remembering Old Scholars

John Brian Ashworth FCA OBE (AOS

1948 to 1954)

Born: September 2nd, 1936, Died: March 22nd, 2024.

John Ashworth moved to Helensburgh in 1974 and became a leading member of the Scotch Whisky Industry and business circles in the West of Scotland.

After attending Ackworth School in Yorkshire, he later qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Leeds in 1960. Shortly afterwards he made, what he claims was his best career move when he joined John Smiths Brewery where he met and married their PR girl Valerie, with whom he celebrated their Golden Wedding in 2010.

co-operative ventures: The North British Distillery Co. Ltd. and The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre on the Royal Mile, together with being a co-founder of the prestigious Keepers of the Quaich.

A few years later he joined a well-known Yorkshire carpet company as Financial Director and oversaw its public flotation on the London Stock Exchange. Five years later he was invited by two overseas financiers to produce a business plan for a potential textile company and to source a funding package through regional grants, government and bank funding to a value of £2 million.

This was achieved within a year and as Managing Director he formed a company to process synthetic fibres from a base in the South Wales Development area. A site was bought, and a factory built, whist a complete structure of employees was recruited and trained. A broad range of customers was established and an excellent relationship was developed with the Russian import agency. As a consequence of ongoing contracts with them, the Queens Award for Exports was received in the third year of trading by which time 500 people were employed.

By 1972 it became apparent that there were going to be significant problems ahead for the synthetic fibre industry and an opportunity to sell the company was taken up and John opted to leave the company. It was fortuitous that the Seagram Company of North America, at that time the world’s largest drinks group, had experienced managerial problems in their Scottish subsidiary Chivas Brothers Ltd. By word of mouth John’s availability and record were picked up by the principal Seagram shareholders, the Bronfman family and an invitation to visit them in Montreal and New York for a week resulted in John returning home at the weekend as Managing Director of Chivas Brothers Ltd in Paisley and its UK holding company Seagram Distillers PLC, later the sponsor of the Grand National race meeting.

In parallel with this John was also Vice President of Seagram Europe with functional responsibility for all European operations in eight countries including the integration into Seagram of acquisitions such as Martell Cognac, Mumm Champagne and Sandeman Port and Sherry.

John was also active in the West of Scotland business life with appointments as Member of the CBI council, Chairman of Renfrewshire Enterprise Ltd for 8 years from its foundation in 1990 and Member of Court of Paisley University for 12 years, as Vice Chairman for the last 3 years. When the Tall Ships visited Greenock in 1999, he was Chairman of the company set up to organise the event.

In 1995 he was awarded the OBE for Services to the Scotch Whisky Industry and Industry in Renfrewshire and very proud to receive this from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

From 2002 onwards John was free of commitments and enjoyed playing very average golf at Helensburgh and his modest holiday home in the South of Spain. In his youth he had been a very active rugby and cricket player in the Yorkshire leagues and his interest continued as an active Patron of the Helensburgh Rugby and Cricket Club.

An interest in local history resulted in him writing and publishing a book “The History of Helensburgh and the Surrounding Area” which traced events from Roman times through to the current era. And occasionally he would speak to groups on the subject.

John remained in these positions for 23 years until his retirement in 1996 and during this period the company expanded rapidly; The Glenlivet and Glen Grant companies were taken over and two new malt distilleries were built. In tandem with these positions, John was on the Council of The Scotch Whisky Association and a nonexecutive Director of two of the Scotch industries

The family moved to Helensburgh almost exactly fifty years ago and some still remain there. John is survived by his widow Valerie, sons Jon and Simon and daughter Louise, together with grandchildren Jennifer, Samantha, Lucy, Haydn and Aimee, and great grandchildren Eléonore and Olivier.

Simon Ashworth

ACKWORTH ARCHIVES

Postcards found in the Head’s House

These 2 postcards have been found whilst essential work is being carried out on the Head’s House.

Michael George Lindley was born in 1948 and was the son of Albert Lindley who became Head of Ackworth School in 1953. Michael was 5 years old when these postcards were sent to him in 1953 and he became a pupil at the school in 1959.

They have been added to the other recent artifacts found on display in Centre Passage.

Frank Colin Scholes attended Ackworth School from 1928 until 1935 and was a Captain in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Sadly, he was killed in the Normandy campaign on June 18th, 1944, at the age of 25 and is buried in the Hottot-les-Bagues Cemetery in Normandy. We remember him and all others, especially at this time of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and subsequent battles.

Thank you to the family of Mary Stephenson (AOS 1926 – 1932) for the kind donation of the programme for Easter Gathering in 1935.

ACKWORTH ARCHIVES History Panels

Telling the story of the buildings and school from 1757 to the end of World War 2, our history panels in Centre Passage make for fascinating reading and reveal some great, quirky facts about life at school over the centuries.

Interspersed with historic images, old maps of Ackworth and even old plans of the school and grounds, QR codes can be scanned to reveal even more information about the history of Ackworth School.

Thank you to our Archivist, Celia Wolfe, and Anton Maree for such detailed research.

PSA NEWS

Located in the old Nursery building across the road from the main school, the PSA uniform shop is open every Wednesday between 8am and 1.30pm during term time. Good quality, pre-loved uniform can also be dropped off during this time. The uniform shop will open on some dates during the school holidays – please keep an eye on our school Facebook page for the dates.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Easter Treats collection for the Airedale Baby & Children’s Bank. Your generosity was very appreciated by the children who thoroughly enjoyed their Easter treats.

Thank you also to everyone who has given donations of blankets, warm clothing and bedding to the PSA. These have been distributed to C.A.P Care who support the disadvantaged in the Wakefield and beyond area. All donated items of children’s clothing have been donated to the Clothing Bank.

New Starters

We would like to give a very warm welcome to the Ackworth family for all our New Starters.

Hope

Nichola Mercer Science Technician

Neil Carson Director of Finance and Operations

Rachel McLaughlin Additional responsibility as a Boarding Tutor

Taryn Le Hanie Teaching Assistant

Joanna Naylor Food Technician (temporary)

Angela Bromley Domestic

Jayne Callaghan Boarding Tutor

Heather Wood Residential Boarding Tutor

Dan Radford Head of Mathematics

Staff Leavers

Sadly, we said goodbye to...

• Emma Garland

• Dale Beswick

• Amy Boulton

• Anton Maree

• Chad Ryal

• Janet Mason

• Joanne Lockett

• Julie Lindley

• Richard Izdebski

• Katie Staton

• Annette Hull

• Rachel France

• Liana Peck

• Nicole Marshall

• Sam Mabey

Emma Travers GP

Bev Wild Cleaner

Amanda Sanderson Head of English

Gary Richardson Exams and Data Administrator

Pauline Oakes Job change to Receptionist

Mark

Joiner

Laura Lunn Job change to PA to the Head

Assistant

AR Academic Lead, Jane Burren to represent Great Britain.

Since October I have attended monthly Dragon-boat British National Squad Training sessions in venues across the country. On the 15th and 16th March, I took part in the squad assessments along with 35 others, this involved gym assessments as well as on the water technique analysis for 200m, 500m, and 2000m. When I received the call to inform me that I had made the GB Senior Dragon-boat Team for the European Championships in Prague I was so amazed. I am incredibly proud to be given the opportunity to represent my country in the ladies team and potentially the mixed team.

The hard work has now begun in my preparation for the European Championships with a focus on #willitmaketheboatgofaster. We have been appointed a nutrition, strength and conditioning coach to aid our preparation. Training includes three strength sessions in the gym, three cardio sessions on the bike/running/row erg, as well as on the water practice each week.

I started dragon boating in 2019, when a local club was formed, I have trained and competed with the club over the last 5 years. At the National Championships last year we came 1st in the mixed senior 200m and 500m. This is a fantastic achievement for such a newly formed club. As well as paddling with the team I am also a coach and helm and enjoy supporting new paddlers to enjoy the sport, and existing paddlers to develop their technique.

The 15th EDBF European Nations Dragon Boat Championship 2024 will be held at the National Olympic Centre Regatta Course, Labe Arena, Racine, Czechia. Races will be held over 2000m, 1000m, 500m, and 200m. Leading up to the event I will be racing with my club at Stockton, Salford and Milton Keynes. As well as attending GB training camps in Wraysbury and Liverpool. There is no funding to support the costs incurred by training, travelling, kit, accommodation etc. If you would like to support me in the journey to success at the European Championships, all donations will be gratefully received, please visit https://gofund. me/655eaf87

If you are a junior or adult and would like to find out more about dragon boating for fun, as a charity event to fundraise, or to compete, please email and I would be happy to signpost you –Jane.Burren@ackworthschool.com

Congratulations to Carole, one of our lovely Thomas Franks Catering Assistants, who has won a mini cruise by completing a survey. Here she is receiving her voucher and flowers from the Regional Manager, Carl.

From Classroom to Centre Stage: A Theatrical Return

We recently caught up with our Director of Music, Oliver McCarthy-Bell who has taken a brave step back into the world of musical theatre after 15 years. Read on to learn more about his thrilling experience auditioning for “Sweeney Todd” and the exciting role he landed.

Q: What inspired you to audition for “Sweeney Todd”?

A: As a massive Stephen Sondheim fan, I couldn’t resist the opportunity when I saw the advert for auditions. It’s been 15 years since my last audition, and I wanted to do something for myself that combined my love of music and performing. Plus, it’s a chance to be on the stage instead of teaching.

Q: How did you prepare for the audition?

A: The audition was nerve-wracking but exhilarating. We had a workshop that included preparing songs, an acting ice breaker, and a contemporary dance segment— though it wasn’t quite leotards and legwarmers. After that, we each performed individually our prepared songs.

Q: What role are you playing?

A: I auditioned for the main role of Sweeney Todd but was offered the role of The Beadle instead. The Beadle is the Judge’s right hand, which is a significant and intriguing character.

Q: How are you approaching the role of The Beadle?

A: The Beadle is a complex character, and I want to emphasize the dark and gory aspects of the story. It’s a tale of injustice and one man’s extreme methods to resolve it, filled with dramatic irony. Sondheim’s phenomenal music and witty lyrics add depth to the performance.

Q: What can you tell us about the performance style and venue?

A: The performance will be in the round at Unity Hall, Wakefield. This means the action happens in the middle, surrounded by the audience on all sides, creating a 360-degree performance experience. It’s an immersive setup that adds to the intensity of the play.

Q: Do you have a favourite song from the show?

A: Absolutely. My favourite song is “A Little Priest.” It’s quite comical, featuring a discussion between Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett about the flavours of pies they could make with different people. The lyrics are darkly funny, showcasing Sondheim’s genius.

Q: When do rehearsals begin?

A: Rehearsals start in June, and I’m looking forward to diving into the character and the story. It’s going to be an incredible journey.

Q: When and where can we catch the show?

A: Diva Productions will present Sweeney Todd at Unity Hall in Wakefield from Wednesday, 13th November to Saturday, 16th November, with evening performances and a matinee performance on the Saturday. The show is not suitable for children under 12 years due to its dark themes. Tickets can be booked at www.divaproductions.co.uk/sweeney-todd.html